GOULDSBORO, MAINE

FBE has worked closely with the town of Gouldsboro, Maine on multiple projects to assess climate vulnerabilities and resiliency. The Town of Gouldsboro, located on the Schoodic Peninsula in Hancock County, experiences strong storm surges and associated flooding from large storm events such as Nor’easters in conjunction with tidal cycles. Rocky shoreline bluffs along the western shores of Gouldsboro face erosion from intensified storm surges and wave action, while low-lying salt marshes along the southeastern shores of Gouldsboro face inundation from sea level rise. Recommended action items from the climate vulnerability assessment were based on the existing hydrologic and infrastructure conditions within the Town and identified critical areas of vulnerability due to predicted sea level rise (SLR), storm surge, and extreme precipitation events. The current FBE project with the Town of Gouldsboro will work on increasing coastal resilience by creating an inventory of waterfront infrastructure, assess the infrastructures vulnerability to climate damage, evaluate the existing resiliency plans and develop new recommendations, and use this information to recommend changes to municipal ordinances. Both projects involve working with the community to address existing issues and identify steps for creating a sustainable future.